PAUL Zamar was on hand to receive his first major PBA award as recipient of the Samboy Lim Sportsmanship award during the Season 48 Leo Awards on Sunday.
Less than a week later, the veteran Northport guard is set to undergo his first major career surgery after going down with an ACL injury during the offseason.
Renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr George Canlas will perform the proceedings.
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“My operation will be on Friday. Prognosis is 10-12 months,” said Zamar, who still personally received his trophy at the Smart Araneta Coliseum despite his health situation.
Talk about sportsmanship, indeed.
Kevin Alas previously won the award twice in the past, and curiously, also suffered an ACL injury.
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“Sana coincidence lang at hindi siya sumpa,” said the son of SMB deputy coach Boycie Zamar.
The 36-year-old Zamar wishes Alas a speedy recovery from his injury, even as he looks forward to his own journey to full fitness.
“Nakakalakad naman ako kasi partial tear siya. Pero siyempre gusto ni Doc Canlas safe e, yung sure na, so isu-surgery niya na,” he said.
Unfortunately, it came at a critical juncture in Zamar's career.
“May mga gusto akong i-prove sa sarili ko na kaya ko pa,” said the veteran guard.
Good thing he just signed a new contract with Northport prior to the season.
“It could have happened before nung wala pa akong contract. So very thankful na ngayon nangyari sa akin ito where I can recover very well with peace in my mind,” Zamar said, adding he’s truly grateful to Northport management for its complete trust in him.
Zamar went down with the injury during practice, but said incidents like that are part and parcel of the game.
“Accidental naman. It happens naman sa basketball. It’s part of the game, full-contact sport,” he added.
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